A Gallop poll in 1992 found
that people in advertising rated near last place in consumer trust, just
below lawyers and above only car salesmen†. Without incriminating myself,
I do not completely disagree. Then again, I left “agency” life
over 10 years ago. Not so much because I thought it was of little value,
but because the work just didn’t seem to fit the professed ideals of
the agency - too much emphasis on creativity and awards, and not enough
on strategic and purposeful communications. There simply wasn’t the
kind of honesty, or unity of purpose and ideals that I had hoped for and
come to believe in, and it started to show in the work. Maybe in the end,
it was just time to move on. So I did what any self-respecting, disillusioned,
creative mind would do:
I set off on the yellow brick
road...
...and ended up in what I thought was Oz, where I became part of a corporate
machine and its full complement of intelligent, energetic leaders, hard working
employees, occasional yes men and corporate climbers, and the unorthodox view
of itself in relation to the rest of their industry. Certainly not one of
the destinations I had envisioned in my career, yet a fascinating and enticing
opportunity nonetheless, and one that overall proved very worthwhile.
But a funny thing happened during my stay in Oz. Instead
of finding the cute, lovable, wise man behind the curtain that Dorothy
discovered, I found a conglomerate of goodhearted and talented people
fighting valiantly for respect, growth and the pot of gold at the end
of the rainbow, though as I’ve come to conclude, fighting while divided
against itself. Founded upon a wonderful vision, it lacked the one thing
it needed most - a clear, single, constant voice by which all, both inside
and out of the company, could come to know and appreciate that vision
and what it offered. With time, it became apparent to me that I no longer
fit in as the creative communications man - it was like trying to speak
English at the Tower of Babel - so, as good fortune would have it, I was
off and running once more.
What does all of this have to do with you and me? Simple. You are part of
a business, a vision, built on the values and qualities deemed of most worth,
which you want to see thrive and grow in our ever-changing world. I am part
of a community of talent, abilities and resources that can help you define,
refine and communicate that vision in a variety of ways.
Maybe...
... like any good relationship, it depends on whether or not we have enough
in common and can communicate with each other. More importantly, it depends
on whether or not we are a good fit for each other. To find out, please follow
the links above right, beginning with one vision,
or simply contact ONE*
to talk about it.
† "Truth, Lies & Advertising", by
Jon Steel, Introduction, pgs. ix & x
